The Recovery partition, which contains a spare software image. Users have the ability to re-initialize the ASM from this partition; an operation which replaces the live partition with the recovery image. This partition can also be updated directly as needed; refer to Updating the ASM Recovery Partition.

Software application support on the Application Solution Module (ASM) is limited as follows:

Software must be provided by Sonus and configured via the Sonus-provided provisioning and management interface.

ASM Modes and Sonus Support

The ASM operates in either of two modes, Appliance or Server.

Appliance mode, in which the SBA utilizes Sonus' security solution and the SBA default offering.

Server mode, in which the SBA relies on customer-installed software to provide alternative security/firewall protection or enhanced SBA operation. Operating in Server mode is valid.

By default, all ASMs are shipped in Appliance mode.

Server Mode

There are three actions that a customer can take to switch an ASM into Server mode:

Installing third-party software that is not approved by Sonus.

Changing the Windows Role and Feature installed on the ASM in order to support additional Windows functionality. Using Remote Desktop or any other source.

Running Windows Update without using the Sonus UI or API (for example, using GPO or automatic Windows Update).

Customers can choose to operate in Server mode if:

They want to follow their own internal security and update processes rather than the Sonus standard processes regarding the Windows Server OS and/or the SBA application, or

They want to deploy a firewall or antivirus solution not supplied by Sonus, or

They wish to use a third-party application (Call Recording, Auto Attendant, or IP PBX for example) that is not currently approved for use with the ASM. This includes common open-source IP PBX applications such as those offered by Asterisk.

Note on Server Mode and Sonus Support

If a customer deploys in Server mode, Sonus will continue hardware and software support to the base SBC, and all call flows and operations that do not involve the ASM. However, support for the ASM will be confined to hardware and ASM connectivity.

Third-Party Applications Supported in Appliance Mode

When the ASM is deployed in Appliance mode, Sonus will provide support for the selected ("approved") third-party applications. Sonus has approved select applications from the following vendors for use in Appliance mode

If customers install third-party applications that Sonus has not explicitly approved, and if the customer requests ASM OS and application support (vs. hardware support only), Sonus reserves the right to request that the ASM be re-initialized and returned to Appliance mode.